24
C Series C 20:8X, C 10:8X, C 10:4X and C 5:4X Operation Manual
7.8 NomadLink network and
deviceControl software
7.8.1 NomadLink network in the amplifiers
Figure 12: Rear panel NomadLink connections
All C Series amplifiers are equipped with the pro-
prietary NomadLink network interface. This includes
two standard housed RJ45 connections: one IN and
one OUT.
Use standard straight Cat-5 Ethernet cables with
RJ45 connectors to connect the amplifier to the NLB
60E NomadLink Bridge and Network Controller or to
daisy-chain multiple amplifiers.
It is very important that two IN or two OUT
ports are NEVER connected to each other.
This will cause the NomadLink communi-
cation and DeviceControl software to ex-
hibit erratic behavior and display inaccurate data.
However, this situation will not damage the
amplifier circuitry.
Up to 60 amplifiers can be connected to one NLB
60E in a daisy-chain or closed loop. In systems that
consist of C...X Series as well as standard C Series
or FP+ amplifiers, each C...X unit should be counted
as two devices on the network, with the total device
count not to exceed 60 devices per subnet.
Each networked group of amplifiers being
controlled by an individual NLB 60E is re-
ferred to as a Subnet.
When the NLB 60E is powered up, the No-
madLink network receives phantom power.
This causes the blue NomadLink LED on the
amplifier front panel and the NomadLink LED on the
rear panel to light up. NomadLink is active even when
the amplifier has mains power disconnected or is
not yet powered up. This is due to the fact that the
NomadLink network is solely powered via phantom
power generated by the NLB 60E. Should an amplifier
fail or be inadvertently disconnected from the mains,
network integrity is fully maintained and all amplifiers
remain visible on the system.
7.8.2 Connection and setup
The NomadLink network requires use of an
NLB 60E. The NomadLink network is established
by connecting the NLB 60E OUT port to the first
amplifier’s IN port. Then a daisy-chain is established
by connecting the first amplifier’s OUT port to the
next amplifier’s IN port, and so on. If a closed loop
network is desired for improved redundancy (highly
recommended), the last amplifier’s OUT port must
be connected to the NLB 60E’s IN port.
For all connections, straight Cat-5 RJ45-equipped
Ethernet cables should be used.
Optimal NomadLink performance can only
be assured when using Cat-5 cables.
However, as NomadLink is only using two
wires + ground for communication and
phantom power it is possible to create converters
from RJ45 to, for example, XLR connectors using
2-wire shielded cable. The NomadLink network can
then be operated using a standard tie-line in a
multicore signal distribution system. See the drawing
below for an example of how to create a
converter.
Figure 12: Rear panel NomadLink connections
If any cable format or connection other than
Cat-5 (or better) and RJ45 is utilized, net-
work performance may be compromised.
In this event Lab.gruppen cannot guarantee
that the NomadLink network will be fully opera-
tional.
7 OPERATION AND PERFORMANCE